India-Pakistan Relations: A Tense History of Conflict, Diplomacy, and Resilience
1. A Brief History
India and Pakistan, two South Asian neighbours, share a complex and often adversarial relationship shaped by history, ideology, and territorial disputes. Their journey as independent nations began in August 1947, following the partition of British India. The division was marred by widespread communal violence and the mass migration of people. Since independence, both countries have fought three full-scale wars (1947, 1965, 1971) and were on the brink of war several times, primarily over the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
In 1999, the Kargil conflict further strained relations when Pakistani soldiers infiltrated Indian positions in Kashmir. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, making their rivalry particularly dangerous. Despite attempts at peace through dialogues and cultural exchanges, the relationship remains fragile and volatile.
2. Brief Trade Relations
Despite political tensions, India and Pakistan have had moments of economic engagement. Trade relations were formalized under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). In the early 2000s, bilateral trade saw modest growth, with India exporting items like cotton, pharmaceuticals, and dyes to Pakistan and importing fruits, cement, and textiles.
However, trade has remained limited—both in volume and scope—due to high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and recurring political clashes. In 2019, following the Pulwama terrorist attack, India withdrew Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status and imposed 200% import duties, effectively freezing trade relations. In 2021, Pakistan temporarily lifted the ban to import Indian cotton and sugar due to domestic shortages, but reversed the decision due to political backlash.
3. The Pahalgam Attack in Jammu and Kashmir
On 18 April 2024, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Heavily armed militants ambushed a convoy of tourists and security forces, killing nine civilians and injuring dozens. The attack was widely condemned across India and the international community.
Indian intelligence agencies linked the attack to Pakistan-based terrorist outfits, particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both of which have a history of operating with alleged support from Pakistani intelligence agencies.
India’s Response to the terror Attach in Pahalgam
- Operation Sindoor was a military operation launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action was in retaliation for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, where 26 Indian civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir.
- Targets: India aimed at facilities associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), groups it holds responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The operation focused on nine locations, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber.
- Methodology: The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The strikes were executed over a 23-minute window, with India asserting that its aircraft did not breach Pakistani airspace.
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Diplomatic Measures
Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched a robust diplomatic offensive against Pakistan. Indian envoys presented evidence of cross-border involvement to key international players including the United Nations, the United States, and European nations. India demanded that Pakistan take immediate and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
India also suspended all bilateral talks and cultural exchanges, and pressured the global community to blacklist Pakistan under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
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Blocking Airspace
India reviewed its airspace policy and restricted overflight access for Pakistani aircraft. This move, though symbolic, created economic and logistical challenges for Pakistan’s international aviation routes, especially flights to East Asia and the Gulf.
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Indus Waters Treaty Pressure
India also revisited its stance on the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a World Bank-brokered agreement that allocates river water sharing between the two nations. While India hasn’t abrogated the treaty, it has accelerated the construction of dams and hydropower projects on the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers—waters allocated to India. India also issued warnings about reconsidering cooperation under the treaty in response to continued cross-border terrorism.
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Military Posturing
Although India avoided a full-scale war, it took strong military postures. Additional troops were deployed along the Line of Control (LoC), and surgical strikes or limited artillery exchanges were conducted to destroy militant launch pads and infrastructure on the Pakistani side. The Indian military also elevated its alert levels, and key airbases and forward command units were reinforced.
The India-Pakistan relationship continues to oscillate between hope and hostility. While trade, diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges have offered temporary relief in the past, continued cross-border terrorism and deep-seated mistrust hinder long-term peace. Incidents like the Pahalgam attack not only deepen wounds but also reaffirm the importance of decisive and coordinated action against terrorism. For sustainable peace, both nations must commit to mutual respect, accountability, and conflict resolution through dialogue rather than violence.
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